Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are very common. Doctors deal with more than 8 million cases each year, with thanks to one very common bacteria – E. coli. The digestive system contains this bacteria, but it can contaminate the urethra and cause a bladder infection or occur. If you experience symptoms of a UTI, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If your doctor is not available, or if symptoms become severe outside of normal business hours, you can visit Preferred Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment. Our medical professionals can help manage infections and prevent them from spreading.
Symptoms to Watch For
UTI symptoms are different depending on the person, but some of the common symptoms experienced include:
A sensation of burning when urinating
- Fatigue
- Chill or a fever
- Urine that smells strong
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Urine that is cloudy or dark
- Pain that affects the lower abdomen
Getting Treatment
If you have a UTI and do not get treatment, it can cause pain as well as other health issues. Without treatment, the UTI can spread and begin to infect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys. When your doctor diagnosis a UTI, antibiotics will often be recommended in order to manage and eliminate the infection. The type of medication used will depend on several factors, like your current health condition and how severe the infection is.
If you have been diagnosed with a UTI, you should drink plenty of fluids in order to help the body flush out any bacteria present. Do not wait for the infection to clear on its own, as this could significantly increase the risk of infection and could lead to even more serious problems.
If you think that you may have a UTI, you should visit your doctor as soon as you can. A medical professional will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment, prescribing antibiotics, and giving you valuable information about keeping the body healthy. If you have severe pain or further issues, visit the professionals at Preferred Urgent Care.